Government cash for Dial-a-Bus project

The Buchan Dial-a-Community Bus project has been awarded vital funds via a new Scottish Government scheme.

Transport Minister Keith Brown this week announced that grants totalling £1 million were being offered to 29 third sector community transport operators.

The successful organisations will receive a share of the funding from this year’s Community Transport Vehicle Fund.

The one-off fund has been set up to assist community transport operators and to replace older vehicles or expand their services.

Mr Brown said: “I am delighted by the amount of interest in the Community Transport Vehicle Fund and I would like to congratulate the successful applicants.

“This one-off fund will provide much-needed financial assistance to operators who run these vital services, of particular value to remote communities and vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.

“The Scottish Government recognises the important role that community transport services play as part of the transport network in Scotland and that they play a major part in reducing isolation and increasing social inclusion.

“During the course of the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee’s inquiry into the sector last year, the need for funding to replace ageing vehicles was identified as a particular concern, and I am pleased that we have been able to help address it in this way.”

Applicants to the fund have received support and advice from both the Community Transport Association (CTA) and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).

When news of the fund was revealed last year, Rachel Milne of Buchan Dial-a-Community Bus told us: “We were all really pleased and grateful for the support from the Government.”